I am excited to see the announcement of ASR1009-X, ASR1006-X and ASR1000-MIP100 with 1x100GE EPA last month. As you know, the ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Router has been a leading edge service routing platform since 2008. Since then, there have been some exciting new members joining the ASR family. This time, the excitement isn’t just because of the latest additions, it’s what they are bringing to this product family and its very broad user base.
First let’s take a look at what they are. ASR1009-X and ASR1006-X are the all-new X generation of modular ASR1000 chassis types. Combined with them, ASR1000-MIP100 and 1x100GE EPA can provide true 100Gbps per slot capability to ASR 1000 edge services. Compared to existing models (ASR1004, ASR1006 and ASR1013 or ASR1000-SIP40), they inject more power into the relatively compact modular ASR1000 with:
- Higher per-slot bandwidth (100Gbps)
- Up to 200Gbps per ASR1009-X and 100Gbps per ASR1006-X
- More efficient power supply redundancy mode (N+1)
- More power headroom (6 power supply unit slots in total) for future system capacity upgrade
- Independent FAN modules for lower OPEX
- 100Gbps per port for high-speed services
- Support of various Ethernet port types with future EPAs
- Mix and match different EPAs in same ASR1000-MIP100
To many of us, the above list is straightforward in terms of how they are better than the current generation. But when it comes to benefits for network engineers (existing or future), the advantages that come with those new ASR 1000 systems and modules are probably more than that.
The feature-rich ASR 1000 IOS-XE software now has a more solid delivery vehicle to unleash its power in network edge services, especially with IWAN, AVC, crypto, WAAS and Firewall/NAT (Network Address Translation). If you need a platform to deliver services in (secured) WAN aggregation, WAN core, Data Center Interconnect and Internet edge, then congratulations – you now have stronger option to consider.
Now you can have up to 200Gbps of system bandwidth and a mix of high-density 1GE, 10GE and 100GE ports using 40G and 100G Ethernet modules. Simultaneously, you can maintain your legacy services and make the transition to Ethernet at a time of your choosing using the help of SIP40 and SPAs.
With the edge at 100Gbps connectivity and powerful services, your network will now truly become future-proof with service capability and capacity that will meet your growth requirement for many years to come.
Please join us at CiscoLive in Berlin February 15-19, 2016 to witness what will enable your next-generation network edge for the future.
What do you think of these new products? Please leave a comment. I want to hear your opinions and use cases.
